Overview & Reviews

Lexus has earned a well-deserved reputation for turning out utterly refined luxury vehicles. The hallmarks of this brand are a quiet, well-crafted cabin, a plush ride and commendable performance from powerful, nearly silent engines.

Lexus began out of a desire by parent company Toyota to create a world-class luxury car brand. Groundwork for Lexus was laid in the mid-1980s, when the company began tapping U.S. focus groups in an attempt to define design concepts best suited for American consumers. Hundreds of prototypes were built and tested on Germany's autobahn and on U.S. roads.

In early 1989, the company unveiled its first two models (which would debut for the 1990 model year) -- the entry-level ES 250 sedan and the flagship LS 400 sedan. The LS 400 was lauded by both journalists and consumers alike for offering a stellar luxury-car experience, with a remarkably silent cabin, superb build quality and a refined V8 engine. At the same time, the LS was priced considerably lower than smaller, lesser-equipped, six-cylinder European rival luxury sedans.

By the early 1990s, the Lexus brand was expanded to other markets, including the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. More models were added to the lineup, including the SC 300 and SC 400 coupes and the brand's first luxury performance sedan, the GS 300. By decade's end, the company had added SUVs (in the form of the LX 450/LX 470 and RX 300) and had sold more than a million vehicles in the U.S.

The first decade of the 2000s saw Lexus proving itself a trend setter with the launch of many hybrid-powered versions of its vehicles such as the RX 400h and the GS 450h. And by 2011, Lexus even introduced a world-class supercar, the LFA.

In the years since its inception, the Lexus brand has distinguished itself time and again in quality and reliability surveys. The brand's vehicles may not offer as much passion as some Teutonic rivals, but for drivers interested in vehicles that emphasize quality, dependability and comfort, the Lexus marque is hard to beat.

User Reviews:

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  Everything I expected...PLUS - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By lexislady - August 6 - 4:23 am

  We sold our Rx300 1999 to our daughter and since we are retiring, wanted one final new purchase. This vehicle is everything anyone could want in an SUV. We did not have Nav on the other vehicle but do on this...have on our other vehicle so are spoiled and knew we wanted it. Back up display is great, heated seats, smooth drive on car body. No complaints...

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  Awesome - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By VivaDnA - August 3 - 3:20 am

  Other than the average fuel economy, everything about this car has met or exceeded our expectations. With the five-speed its a blast to drive!

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  2005 ES 330 Lexus - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By ES 330 - August 1 - 5:20 pm

  I have had my new Lexus just over three weeks. (I had a 2001 ES 300 Lexus.) I really enjoy my new car. I love the way it handles driving in the mountains and curves. The car turns on a dime. The power is available when needed to make a manuever on the freeway. The car is extremely comfortable to ride in. The sound system is really great

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  Happy with the Lexus 330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By CharlieMac - August 1 - 2:30 pm

  the first thousand miles have been exactly what I expected. At the age of 48 I considered the Acura TL. What you give up in performance and look is more that offset by the older need for comfort and luxury.... My only suggestion is the HP needs to be goosed a little, say to 250-260 HP.

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  Third Rx and improving - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Bob - July 30 - 9:50 am

  This Rx is the third Ive purchased since 1999. I must admit Lexus got me hooked. I particularly enjoy the sports tuned suspension with the low- profile tires and increased horsepower. The gas mileage is exceptionally well I routinely averaged 27 miles to the gallon on the highway. One experiment on Route 80 from Lake Erie to Jersey border with cruise control set at 65, I actually received 31 miles per gallon.

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  I think my SUV is a great vehicle - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By dbeez - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle after selling a 2003 Toyota 4-Runner LTD. I like the stability I felt when I took this vehicle skiing. I purchase a loaded version and my kids love the DVD.

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  My love - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By brooke - July 27 - 10:26 pm

  I think that she handles very well. It is front wheel drive so snow isn’t the best, but for everything else it’s amazing. Gorgeous lines and interior. Great acceleration as well as sound system.

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  Lexus - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Marie Phillips - July 25 - 9:49 am

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  Nice but mpg? - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By coldcase - July 25 - 7:50 am

  Nice car, like it. But mpg is not what I had hoped for. I owned a Camry hybrid for last 3 and average was 39mpg for the 75k miles. So, I know what to expect from this hybrid with the same horsepower, gas and electric and the torque. EPA rated slightly better than Camry but working to get 34 mpg...not good enough for a light footed conservationist??? All else is well but would like a few more storage cubbies tucked into the car.

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  Great Car - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Doc T - July 25 - 2:03 am

  I bought this car used 64k, it has been one of the better cars Ive owned. I have had all the big ones except Jag. This is up there with the Benzs and Bimmers, I have only replaced the battery and tires but it has been very dependable. Gets 25mpg on hiway. Nice sound system. One Sunday I drove 12 hours from Jersey to Detroit sleeping for about 2 hours in the car, attended a service and turned around and drove 12 hours back. 60 miles from home before I had to stop and sleep again.